Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-11-22T11:05:00

(BPT) – Content sponsored and provided by Walgreens

It’s the holiday season — time for fruitcakes, ugly sweater parties, spinning the dreidel, and the ever-popular holiday greeting card. Even in today’s digital age, according to the United States Postal Service, Americans send over 1.1 billion season’s greetings by snail mail every year. Not only is it a fun tradition, but for many it’s a welcome reminder of connection and cheer during what can be an emotionally fraught time of year — a simple gesture that helps support positive mental health and wellness.

When it comes to taking or choosing the perfect holiday card photo, it can feel overwhelming trying to highlight friends, family and our furry companions. No matter the sentiment you want to convey, here are four quick tips to help you make the most of your time taking photos or picking the right one to wrap up this year. Plus, same-day printing and pickup can save in a last-minute time crunch!

Don’t be afraid to highlight the candid moments

Don’t rule out the day-to-day moments and locations that matter to you or your loved ones. Candid moments captured on camera convey authenticity, warmth, and humor that shine through.

During what is already a busy season, finding time to set up the family for a photo session is difficult enough. Make it fun for everyone by combining it with an already anticipated holiday tradition! If you bake cookies, pick out a Christmas tree or build a snowman each year, plan to use the moment for your holiday card photo.

Have a picture of the kids playing outside at the playground, playing board games or having a movie night? What about family pictures from last year’s holiday gatherings? Include these candid moments in a Year in Review card from Walgreens and share a heartfelt note to those on your holiday card list.

Pro-Tip! Scroll through your photo app to your favorited pics from the year prior. This will make it even easier to find a candid photo that feels like you.

Let the card design inspire you

Finding simple ways to eliminate stress can help you feel more in control of your well-being throughout this busy time of year. Rather than starting with planning a family photoshoot or going through a year’s worth of pictures, start the process at the end this year! Look through holiday card options on Walgreens Photo site and let your favorite design inspire you.

Find a collage card to add your top three photos to? Or maybe a Happy New Year card fits your favorite family outfits? Walgreens foil cards give a great New Year look and feel, so set up a group photo to fit the card!

Use lighting to your advantage

With today’s cell phone cameras, if you have good lighting, you can get a great photo! In order to take the best photos outside or indoors with natural light, focus on “golden hour” right after sunrise and right before sunset. This time of day will accentuate the natural glow of your surroundings, and the light won’t cast harsh shadows.

Once you have your favorite photo chosen, there are simple editing tips you can use to bump up the professional look. Bringing up the exposure a bit to brighten the photos along with increasing the contrast and saturation to bring out those colors works wonders. But be mindful not to do too much! A little goes a long way, especially if there are rosy cheeks or noses from seasonal sniffles. Consider a black and white photo filter in that case.

Focus on your furry family members!

While weddings, baby photos and other exciting moments fill in a lot of holiday cards, don’t forget your favorite furry companions! Take pictures this year and all season long having fun with your pets, hanging out in your favorite cozy spot, or playing with their favorite toys.

Or you can have fun with photos of your pets from the past year — did they splash around in the pool this summer or wear a fun Halloween costume? Add them to a Walgreens pet-themed card template for the perfect pawliday greetings to share with friends, family and other furry friends!

In addition to holiday photo cards, Walgreens has many other photo gifts to consider giving to a friend or loved one. Send ornaments, puzzles, party coasters and more to those on your shopping list — and with quick printing services, you can fill any last-minute gifting needs with same-day printing and fast delivery.

Pro tip! Use Walgreens Mail-For-Me cards to have your designed cards stamped and mailed to your entire address list to avoid spending time at the post office. All you have to do is create your cards, add your mailing info and recipient addresses, prepay, and Walgreens will mail for you! One more task checked off the holiday to-do list.

As the season quickly approaches, Walgreens has everything you need for your festive photo dreams and fun gifts on an affordable budget with quick turnaround. With the code CARDPHOTO you can get 60% off all Photo Cards & Premium Stationery through early January[1].

With the Walgreens Photo site offering hundreds of options, you can browse and buy online and in-store — Walgreens is available to make your holiday season simple.

2024-11-22T08:05:00

(BPT) – The holidays will be here before you know it, and that means it’s time to compile a list of the perfect gift for everyone in your life. If you need inspiration, don’t worry. Why not make it simple and give everyone technology? There are so many new, next-gen models out this year that will delight everyone, from your teen to the artist in your life to the aspiring athlete. Boom, one and done.

Here are five next-gen technologies that are getting a lot of buzz for the 2024 holiday season.

Convertible AI laptop for creatives and freelancers

Give your favorite creative the ultimate blend of power, mobility and style with the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 Next-Gen AI PC. This sleek and versatile 2-in-1 PC, complete with an intuitive stylus, adapts effortlessly to any creative’s imagination. Whether sketching ideas, editing videos, or crafting presentations, creativity is unleashed on the world’s first next-gen AI convertible PC with inking and a haptic touchpad. Equipped with the latest Intel^® Core™ Ultra processor with a dedicated AI engine, the OmniBook Ultra Flip delivers cutting-edge performance and up to 20 hours of battery life to keep up with even the busiest lifestyle. AI-enhanced tools like HP AI Companion and Poly Camera Pro optimize everyday computing for greater productivity and collaboration while HP Wolf Security for consumers brings professional-level security to a personal device. Fuel creativity through AI inspiration with Windows 11’s built-in Copilot and embrace a more sustainable future by choosing an EPEAT^® Gold with Climate+ and ENERGY STAR^® certified device.

Powerful printer for photo lovers

The HP Envy 6155e Printer + Instant Ink is designed to kick your home printing experience up several notches. With its intuitive 2.4″ color touchscreen, navigating print jobs has never been easier. Vibrant color printing, scanning and copying, along with automatic two-sided printing — this stylish and sustainable next-gen printer can do it all. For the photo lover in your life, get those memories off the cloud and into picture frames! It prints gorgeous, borderless photos in vivid colors. The HP Envy 6155e also includes three months of free Instant Ink, ensuring you never run out of ink, as you’ll get new replacement cartridges sent to your door when you run low. And at less than $140, it won’t put a dent in your holiday budget.

Smartwatch for the health conscious

Several new smartwatches are getting a lot of buzz this year, including the Apple Watch Series 10, the Google Pixel Watch 23 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch7. Perfect gifts for aspiring athletes or health conscious people, these smartwatches will track your workouts, give prompts, count calories and steps and more. One thing to note about the Galaxy Watch7. If you’re concerned about the quality of your sleep, it has an FDA-approved apnea detector, in addition to an electrocardiogram and irregular heart rhythm notifications. You’ll need a Samsung phone to use these features and of course it doesn’t replace a doctor’s visit, but it can alert you to any potential problems you can then take to your doc.

Wireless earbuds for hybrid workers

Is someone on your list always on the go, taking meetings from virtually anywhere … and hates audio issues? The Poly Voyager Free 20 Wireless Earbuds deliver powerful sound and style, featuring Adaptive Active Noise Canceling and AI machine learning to provide crystal-clear communication. With up to 8 hours of listening time, they’re perfect for the hybrid workers on your list this year, and for the people who want to immerse themselves in their entertainment when they’re on the subway, train, or airplane this season. If you know, you know. Makes the holiday a little merrier when you can’t hear the chatter around you, right?

Ultimate keyboard for the gamer in your life

The ultimate gift for the gamer on your list, the HyperX Alloy Rise – Gaming Keyboard takes your gaming setup to the next level with ultra-responsive 8k polling and easy customization. You can swap out key switches, change magnetic top plates, and add badges to make it uniquely yours. You’ll also get an upgraded RGB experience courtesy of the ambient light sensor that auto-adjusts the brightness, 10 keyboard profiles saved directly to the keyboard, and powerful customization via HyperX NGENUITY Software.

For more ideas for holiday gifts, including fun techie stocking stuffers, visit hp.com/us-en/shop/slp/holiday-gift-guide.

2024-11-21T11:43:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is here, and that means celebrations and gatherings are in the works. And where celebrations and gatherings are found, so are indulgent dishes to complement and enhance the festivities. For anyone trying to eat right and maintain a healthy balance, this time of year can be particularly challenging in terms of staying on track. But, thanks to nutritious and flavorful sweet dark cherries, it doesn’t have to be.

Sweet dark cherries have a host of health benefits. Picked at their peak in the summer, sweet dark cherries can be found frozen, dried and canned in the off-season, with their nutritional advantages and full flavor preserved for year-round enjoyment. Good sources of potassium and fiber, dark sweet cherries have lesser-known properties that may provide a boost to aspects under extra pressure during the holidays: gut health and rest.

Rich foods become a staple during the winter holidays, and swapping out traditional sides with versions featuring dark sweet cherries might help to keep the gut in balance. A recent study suggests that supplementing a diet with dark sweet cherries may be beneficial to bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome.

Additionally, dark sweet cherries are a natural source of tryptophan, melatonin and serotonin. Together, these compounds can help stabilize and regulate sleep patterns, giving the body needed rest before hitting the next holiday tradition on the list.

It’s easy to work dark sweet cherries into a dinner menu or a prepared dish to share. Northwest Cherries offers recipes that are simple and flavorful while injecting a dose of good health to keep the good cheer going.

Cherry Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb. sweet cherries (fresh, frozen or dried)
• 1 lb. cranberries (fresh or dried)
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the water and cranberries. Bring to simmering, stirring occasionally at first and more frequently as the sauce begins to form. Add sweet cherries and continue stirring. If using dried fruit or if the sauce thickens more than desired, slowly add water or another flavoring-enhancing liquid, such as pomegranate juice, 2 tablespoons at a time. Stir and recheck before adding more liquid. Once the sauce has reduced to nearly the desired consistency, remove from the heat and incorporate any other flavorings if desired (such as four 2-inch peels of fresh ginger, 3 tbsp. citrus zest, coarsely ground black pepper, fresh herbs or other flavors from a menu). Allow to cool completely, uncovered. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Roasted Green Beans with Dried Cherries and Feta

4 servings

Ingredients

1/2 lb. green beans, washed and trimmed

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a medium bowl, add the green beans, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, dried cherries and walnuts. Mix to combine until the green beans are coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Roast 15-20 minutes. Cool 10 minutes and top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Dried Cherries

4 servings

Ingredients

1 lb. Brussels sprouts, washed and cut in half

4 tbsp. olive oil

3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp. brown sugar

2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped

1/4 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar and salt. In a medium bowl, add the Brussels sprouts, dried cherries and sliced almonds. Stir in half the olive oil mixture, reserving the rest. Transfer the Brussels sprouts to the prepared baking sheet. Roast 20-25 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Drizzle with remaining olive oil mixture before serving.

More recipes, from salads and entrees to desserts and drinks, can be found at nwcherries.com/recipe.

2024-11-21T11:29:00

(BPT) – For many small businesses, the holiday season is crucial to hitting their yearly financial goals — and for some, it’s make or break. Small business owners project 33% of their total yearly revenue from seasonal shopping this year, and 61% say holiday revenue is a key factor to the success of their business. The good news? Ninety-three percent of consumers are planning to shop small this season, according to the QuickBooks Holiday Shopping Report 2024.

Holiday shopping is in high gear. Still, there a number of things small businesses can do to maximize their sales through the end of the season, including these three tips:

Be ready for peak shopping days to capture last-minute shoppers

Being prepared this holiday season will be critical — starting with ensuring you’re ready for the days when consumers plan to shop most. Two in three consumers plan to shop on Black Friday (November 29) and Cyber Monday (December 2) and more than a third (34%) plan to shop on Small Business Saturday (November 30), according to the report, based on a recent survey of U.S. consumers and small business owners commissioned by Intuit QuickBooks. Overall, consumers expect to do nearly 40% of their holiday shopping on these days.

To get ahead of the inevitable rush, small businesses should have a connected inventory management system to track everything in one place, such as QuickBooks Commerce, offer flexible shopping and shipping experiences for customers, and increase marketing efforts that remind consumers of their unique products and offerings.

A seamless checkout experience is also crucial to making a sale, so small businesses should implement an integrated payments solution like QuickBooks Payments, allowing their customers to choose the way they’d like to pay via online invoicing, mobile payment apps, and in-person card readers.

Deals, deals, deals

Given tough competition from big-box retailers and decreasing consumer spending due to rising costs and inflation, it’s increasingly important for small businesses to offer competitive prices and holiday deals to attract customers. The report found that over two-thirds (64%) of consumers are prioritizing shopping at stores that offer low prices and deals, while a little more than half are looking for coupons and promotions to save money.

“Consumers are faced with tough financial constraints, and are increasingly looking for flexibility and convenience in how they shop and interact with businesses, as well as deals and offers to offset costs,” said Joseph Black, Director of Product Management, Accounting and Commerce, Intuit QuickBooks.

Equally as important is how to market those deals, coupons and promotions to customers. The survey found 54% of respondents prefer targeted emails as their top choice for learning about deals, followed by in-store promotions (40%) and direct mail (33%).

With the help of marketing platforms like Mailchimp, small businesses can turn their marketing data into personalized messaging, using the most effective channels to reach customers with the right discount at the right time.

Leverage digital tools

Digital tools help small businesses compete during the holidays (and any season). They can level the playing field between small and bigger businesses because they increase efficiency, helping to streamline operations and complete crucial tasks to keep their business running smoothly. Digital tools help easily track sales and inventory, manage payments and invoicing, and keep cash flow in check leading up to this season’s key shopping days.

The report found the best workplace systems to help small businesses glide through the holidays include project management software, customer relationships management (CRM) tools, and invoicing and payment tracking software, among others. These digital tools can help make workflow, sales, inventory and staffing seamless and efficient — the proverbial well-oiled machine — during the holiday shopping season to meet the increased demand.

For more information, tools and tips small businesses can use to have a very happy holiday season, visit the QuickBooks Success in Every Season hub.

2024-11-21T06:15:00

(BPT) – Feeling nostalgic for the ambiance of neighborhood coffee shops before takeout and apps became the norm? You’re not alone. In early 2024, Pinterest predicted a trend called Cafécore, replicating the welcoming look of a neighborhood coffee shop in your home. Coffee lovers have embraced this trend, transforming areas of their homes into personal coffee havens. As cooler fall weather arrives, now is the perfect time to jump on board and create your own home café!

Styling Your Coffee Space

You don’t need a lot of room to achieve the Cafécore vibe. Even a small nook can be transformed into a coffee station where essentials are neatly organized and easily accessible. Open shelving, matching containers, and your favorite espresso and coffee cups can contribute to the style of your space. To complete the look, add a comfortable spot to relax — an overstuffed armchair in a sunny spot or a cozy corner surrounded by books.

Selecting the Perfect Coffee Machine

The centerpiece of any home café is, of course, the automatic coffee machine. Select top-of-the-line equipment that can produce your favorite coffee shop drinks brewed from freshly ground whole beans.

For the purist, the next-generation JURA E8 is an excellent choice. Building on the success of its predecessors, the E8 is incredibly easy to use, delivering exquisite coffee results with advanced technology and a sleek design.

For the adventurer, the JURA J8 twin is packed with innovations, including two high-performance disc grinders and two bean containers. Whether you’re preparing espresso in the morning or decaf at night, this machine can even blend two different types of beans. The J8 twin can prepare 31 different specialties and features JURA’s exclusive Sweet Foam function, which infuses a hint of flavored syrup to milk foam.

For the aficionado, the JURA Z10 is a masterpiece of Swiss engineering, capable of preparing up to 32 hot or cold brew beverages, from intense espresso to flat whites and cold brews. JURA’s exclusive Cold Extraction Process pulses cold water through freshly ground coffee to create a uniquely balanced, aromatic experience.

With JURA machines and a creative touch, anyone can create a warm, inviting space that reflects their passion for coffee.

For more information, visit jura.com.

2024-11-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Yearning for a luxury vacation unlike any other? Consider the unique cultural, culinary and wellness experiences in the Mexican Caribbean. This signature paradise offers a winter getaway where you can indulge in natural beauty, nurturing environments and flavors that nourish the soul.

While the entire region boasts beautiful tropical weather and is steeped in rich Mayan culture, each of the Mexican Caribbean’s 12 destinations has its own distinct identity. You’ll enjoy turquoise waters, white sand beaches and remarkable archaeological sites. The region is also home to otherworldly cenotes for freshwater swimming, boundless nature and more. Along with these natural wonders, you’ll discover an enticing culinary scene, rich culture, world-class entertainment and top-notch accommodations.

Ready to plan your trip? Here are some Mexican Caribbean experiences you won’t want to miss.

Make a splash in over-the-top pools

Travelers seeking the perfect vacation filled with sipping, sunning and relaxing in unique pools have their choice of options in the Mexican Caribbean. In the Riviera Maya, the adults-only luxury inclusive La Casa de la Playa features a stunning 130-foot-long swimming waterway overlooking the sea that provides breathtaking horizon views. For ultimate relaxation, Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers villas with private pools, creating a more intimate experience. Similarly, Cancun’s Nizuc Resort & Spa offers opulent pool villas for guests looking for total seclusion and privacy. Wellness takes to the water at Grand Velas Riviera Maya‘s Floating Sound Baths. This meditative practice allows individuals to discover their inner peace and achieve maximum relaxation by gently moving while floating in water.

Indulge in next-level spa treatments

The Riviera Maya offers a wealth of opportunities for indulgence and rejuvenation, with several resorts dedicated to wellness. At Fairmont Mayakoba, locally inspired spa treatments like the Copal Mayan Purification and the Cha Chac Rain Ritual provide a deeply calming, refreshing and energizing experience. St. Regis Kanai Resort features rituals inspired by ancient Mayan astronomy. Senses can be further awakened at the Maroma Spa by Guerlain at Maroma, a Belmond Hotel in the Riviera Maya. Their unique Bee Healing Ritual incorporates resort-made honey from the stingless Melipona bee which is sacred in the Mayan culture, helping guests connect with nature. At the Waldorf Astoria Cancun, luxury spa treatments include the Yaxche Journey which facilitates personal discovery and healing on a spiritual, emotional and physical plane to balance the body, mind and spirit.

Savor custom-made culinary experiences

The Mexican Caribbean has become a culinary powerhouse offering myriad globally recognized restaurants and exceptional dining experiences. At Etereo, Auberge Resorts Collection in the Riviera Maya, guests can enjoy a regionally inspired four-course menu during a private moonlit dinner at the beach or alongside the Tranquilo pool. Alternatively, discover the secrets of Mexican cuisine through the hands-on Comal Cooking Class, which offers the opportunity to craft fresh tortillas and prepare delicious small dishes using a traditional Mexican griddle. At the MICHELIN Recommended Maria Dolores at ATELIER Playa Mujeres, celebrity Chef Edgar Nunez presents seasonal dishes with an haute cuisine approach to Mexican gastronomy. His signature creations combine flavors and stories from every corner of Mexico, creating a sensory experience in each dish. At the one MICHELINE Star HA’ at Hotel Xcaret in the Riviera Maya, Chef Carlos Gaytan presents contemporary Mexican cuisine through a 9-course tasting menu, where each dish is perfectly harmonized with exquisite wines and spirits.

Imbibe in modern mixology

Cocktail aficionados will be thrilled at the region’s offerings, including Chaak in the Jungle at Conrad Tulum, an enchanting tropical mixology experience in the magical jungle under the stars. For a speakeasy vibe in the tropics, Bambuco by Handshake at Marmona, a Belmond Hotel, offers a haven for creative cocktailing; it’s the perfect spot for a nightcap and small plates among lush tropical palms. Or check out the award-winning Zapote Bar at Rosewood Mayakoba, a love letter to the Yucatan Peninsula, celebrating the heritage, culture and people of the region.

For more information, visit MexicanCaribbean.Travel. Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

2024-11-20T11:47:00

(BPT) – This holiday season, escape to a magical coastal getaway in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Whether you’re strolling along serene, sandy beaches or celebrating at one of The Beach’s many seasonal festivities, you’re sure to create unforgettable holiday memories all along the Grand Strand.

Check out these 12 holiday events and experiences happening in Myrtle Beach this winter:

1. Ripley’s Aquarium Festival of Trees: Explore the wonders of the SEA-son at Ripley’s Aquarium’s immersive tree display, featuring trees representing all 55 U.S. states and territories. The display also includes trees inspired by holiday favorites like “The Grinch” and “Elf.” Enjoy a fun-filled scavenger hunt included with admission to the aquarium. Nov. 8-Jan. 5.

2. The Great Christmas Light Show: Don’t miss out on this park-wide drive-thru light show celebration. The show features over 500 custom-made magical light displays and more than 2 million lights festively displayed along a two-mile route at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. Some displays are even as tall as 55 feet! Nov. 25-Dec.30.

3. Winter Wonderland at The Beach: Each year, Winter Wonderland at the Beach offers a free lights display that stretches along a gorgeous mile of oceanfront along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Highlights this year include the annual tree lighting ceremony (Nov. 30) and a spectacular holiday drone show (Dec. 7). Visit the holiday market on select dates, or enjoy Santa appearances, caroling and DJ dance parties at Plyler Park every weekend. Nov. 29-Jan. 4.

4. MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights: Have you ever seen a festively decorated marsh? Take a stroll along the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet and experience a holiday wonderland with thousands of lights, themed displays and live entertainment on select nights. Enjoy waterfront views, seasonal treats and visits from Santa. Nov. 29-Dec. 31.

5. Nights of A Thousand Candles: Experience one of the Southeast’s most beloved holiday events. During this time of year, Brookgreen Gardens comes to life amid the soft glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling lights. Visit from 4 to 9 p.m. and walk the paths with a warm cup of cider, hear the sounds of holiday music and celebrate the season with family and friends! Nov. 30-Jan. 5.

6. City of Conway’s Celebration of Lights: Drive along Conway’s downtown riverfront district and take in its annual drive-thru light show, held weekly, Thursday through Sunday, from 6 to 9 p.m. Don’t miss out on the tree lighting ceremony (Dec. 5), the Rivertown Christmas Celebration (Dec. 12) and the annual parade (Dec. 14). Admission is $2 per person. Nov. 30-Dec. 24.

7. Pirate’s Voyage Christmas Show: Embark on a swashbuckling holiday adventure at Pirate’s Voyage Dinner & Show and follow Captain Scrooge on a journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas. During the show, indulge in a four-course holiday feast as crimson and emerald pirates battle for hidden treasure, accompanied by acrobatic feats, live animals and a captivating Nativity scene. Oct. 30-early Jan.

8. Alabama Theatre Christmas Show: Witness the magic of “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show.” This year’s Alabama Theatre Christmas Show combines breathtaking talent, scenery and special effects to produce a spectacular new holiday musical experience sure to put you in the spirit of the season. Nov. 1-Dec. 31.

9. The Carolina Opry Christmas Special: Also known as “The Christmas Show of the South,” the Carolina Opry Christmas Special opens its 39th season Nov. 1. Visitors can enjoy enchanting holiday performances this winter, bringing time-honored tradition to create a family experience that is second to none as new talent mingles with acclaimed rotating artists and long-standing Opry favorites. Nov. 1-Dec. 31.

10. Winter in the Air: Watch as the Broadway Theater in Myrtle Beach is transformed into a mesmerizing winter wonderland! Winter in the Air is a Cirque-style spectacular that captivates audiences with breathtaking acrobatics and the heartwarming joy of the holiday season. The show promises to be an unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of high-flying acrobatics with the enchanting beauty of winter’s magic. Nov. 2-Dec. 20.

11. Motown Christmas Tribute Show: Celebrate the holidays with soulful cheer at GTS Theatre’s “Motown Christmas Tribute.” This lively show features classic Motown hits and holiday favorites, blending classic tunes with festive spirit for an unforgettable experience. Nov. 6- Dec. 23.

12. The Wonders of Christmas Holiday Magic Spectacular: Head to the Charles Bach Wonders Theatre to experience the magic of the holiday season with illusionist Charles Bach as he brings Christmas wishes to life. This family-friendly show features incredible magic, holiday music, fabulous dancers and beautiful costumes. Nov. 14-Dec. 31.

Ready to plan your holiday getaway? Check out Myrtle Beach’s Holiday Vacation Guide to learn more about these and other events happening at The Beach. You can also visit VisitMyrtleBeach.com to explore all your options for your holiday getaway.

2024-11-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a joyful time, but it can also be hectic, bringing with it unique mental stressors like juggling to-do lists, managing budgets and navigating family dynamics.

To help keep stress from putting a damper on your otherwise festive season, the chiropractic experts at The Joint Chiropractic share ways stress can affect your wellness, plus practical tips to help you relax more and enjoy your holidays. Chiropractic care can play a vital role in supporting your mental well-being by promoting a sense of calm and balance, allowing you to fully enjoy and embrace the holiday spirit.

How stress manifests during the holiday season

Three different types of stress can increase during the holidays:

1. Emotional stress often stems from feelings of worry, frustration and the pressure to create the “perfect” holiday. Managing social obligations and navigating complex family dynamics can add to the emotional strain.
2. Chemical stress is frequently caused by changes in your diet and lifestyle choices. With an abundance of holiday treats, sugary snacks and rich foods, it’s easy to consume excess sugar, preservatives and unhealthy fats that can negatively impact your health.
3. Physical stress can result from the hustle and bustle of the season. Activities like decorating, carrying heavy shopping bags or traveling can put a strain on the body. Additionally, poor posture from sitting for extended periods or overuse injuries from repetitive motions can also contribute to physical stress.

Recognizing and understanding these stressors is essential for effectively managing holiday-related challenges. Prioritizing your well-being this time of year can help you truly enjoy the spirit of the season.

How chiropractic care can help manage stress

From sleep deprivation caused by late-night celebrations to holiday weight gain and mood swings from all the hustle and bustle, the impact of stress can be significant. Here’s how routine chiropractic care can help you stay ahead of these challenges and keep stress in check so you can thrive:

• Healthy spine and nervous system. A healthy spine is the foundation of a well-functioning nervous system, which plays a key role in how you handle stress. Chiropractic adjustments help keep your spine properly aligned, promoting better communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body. This can lead to a more balanced response to holiday stressors, both physically and mentally.
• Improved health and wellness. By supporting clear communication throughout your body, chiropractic care can reduce pain, decrease anxiety, improve sleep and stabilize your mood — all crucial elements during the hectic holiday season. With regular adjustments from your local chiropractor, you can also lower your risk of developing serious health issues, allowing you to enjoy the festivities with greater peace of mind.

Practical tips to ease holiday anxiety and promote relaxation

• Take a breather: Take 10 breaths. As you inhale for four seconds, concentrate on the feelings of stress and worry you’re having. Then exhale for six seconds, letting everything go as you feel the release.
• Make time for relaxation: Along with getting chiropractic treatment, relax your neck and shoulder muscles with a heating pad, and do gentle daily stretches to keep your muscles limber and loose to ease muscle tension and reduce headaches.
• Enjoy regular light exercise: Find time in your schedule for about 15 minutes to get outside and walk in your neighborhood or a nearby park. That short amount of time can smooth away stress and help you wind down in the evening.
• Prioritize sleep: Prioritizing adequate sleep during the holiday season helps your body recover from daily stressors, supports a healthy immune system and enhances mental clarity. Quality rest can also improve your mood, making it easier to navigate family gatherings and holiday festivities with patience and joy.

To find a chiropractor near you, visit TheJoint.com.

2024-11-20T14:01:00

(BPT) – The idea of working from home rocketed in popularity and is now a preferred way of life for millions of people. But have you ever settled in at your backyard patio table with your laptop, a cup of coffee, and an urgent project for work, only to find your home’s Wi-Fi doesn’t extend into your yard? It’s a common annoyance that has generated a multitude of homemade fixes, none of which has been quite right or completely reliable.

For many of us, taking the laptop into the backyard should just work, period, and it’s supremely annoying when it doesn’t. The problem is likely the placement of your router, which has limited range. It’s the same sort of problem that spurred Nick Weaver, co-founder and CEO at eero, and his team to create eero, a mesh Wi-Fi network, a decade ago. Only back then, the problem was inside the house.

eero pioneered mesh Wi-Fi to solve annoying dropped connections, buffering streamed movies and dead areas in people’s homes. The technology involves a mesh network of multiple access points positioned around the home that replaces a single router. People can place as many eero devices as they need to get fast, reliable Wi-Fi throughout their home, regardless of its shape and size.

Now to the problem of backyard Wi-Fi. As the years went on, eero saw the necessity for a new solution once again, based on customer behavior.

“Since we shipped our first systems in 2016, customers have wanted to expand their eero networks beyond their four walls and cover every inch of their property in Wi-Fi,” says Weaver. “Over the years, we’ve seen our customers come up with all sorts of inventive solutions like eero devices inside weatherproof boxes, in outdoor closets and even strapping them to poles with rubber bands.”

Clever, sure, but ultimately not a permanent fix.

It led Weaver and his team to create eero Outdoor 7, which is designed to take eero Wi-Fi to the great outdoors. It’s the same sort of device as the one designed for indoor use, but it was a whole different animal to construct because it needed to withstand Arizona summers, Minnesota winters, and everything else Mother Nature dishes out. The product is available now just in time for the holidays, and it’s something the whole family will enjoy now through the summer and beyond.

Here are some really fun ideas that outdoor Wi-Fi can help out with:

Keep all outdoor security cameras connected. Security is a growing concern for many homeowners, but a camera is only as good as its Wi-Fi connection. With this new technology, you can have multiple cameras throughout your property, from the garage to the backyard.

Extend Wi-Fi to a tiny house on your property. Whether you use the dwelling as a guest house, a rental, a dedicated home office or a she-shed, the Outdoor 7 makes it easy to stay connected.

Create an outdoor movie theater. A movie under the stars in your backyard on a warm summer’s evening just got easier. Stream movies from Amazon or your favorite network without the fear buffering will take hold during the most tense part of the show.

Create a true outdoor room. That term “outdoor room” has been used for a while now to describe, basically, your backyard. But without Wi-Fi, it wasn’t truly complete. Now, your patio or deck can really be an extension of your home because you can work out there, check your messages, watch TV or do anything else you can do in your living room.

Work on the beach at your lake cabin. Quality of life is kicked up several notches when you can, for example, spend all summer at your lake cabin, woodsy retreat or rural getaway, not take any PTO, and get your job done while relaxing outside.

The reasons for extending your Wi-Fi from your home into the great outdoors are endless.

You can buy eero Outdoor 7 just in time for the holidays. If you aren’t already using eero, you can get some amazing deals on their mesh Wi-Fi systems beginning November 21.

2024-11-20T10:01:01

(BPT) – Historically, most homes had a stove, furnace and water heater all powered by gas. While gas-fueled appliances have been the norm for decades, more and more U.S. homes are being upgraded for whole-home electrification, or further, built with electrification in mind. In fact, according to a 2023 survey conducted by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, 60 percent of Americans prefer a home in which all or most major appliances are powered by electricity.

Why are homes going electric?

Homeowners who switch to electric appliances reap the benefits of lower electricity expenses over time, but cost efficiency isn’t the only factor driving electric’s popularity. Burning fossil fuels in homes — like cooking on a gas stove — contributes to indoor air pollution and can lead to negative health outcomes.

On a broader scale, whole-home electrification also benefits the environment. Researchers from U.C. Davis found that a typical U.S. home can cut its heating-related climate pollution by 45 to 72 percent by swapping out a gas-fired furnace for an all-electric heat pump.

When building or upgrading homes with electric appliances, the load center (also known as a breaker or fuse box) must be able to support electrical demand. However, it is important for homeowners to assess amperage capacity as they increase electrical demand when replacing gas appliances. Increased amperage is required to maintain the status quo of activity in a home. Load centers with 300 or 400 amperage capacity ensure reliable power in homes with increased electrical needs, such as electrical vehicle (EV) chargers or pool pumps. To maximize energy efficiency of electric appliances, homeowners should also consider a load center with smart breaker compatibility and whole home energy monitoring to track energy use over time and view consumption of individual circuits.

Smart energy management one breaker at a time

Achieving home electrification does not mean homeowners must replace all appliances and change their existing electrical service.

A modular solution like the Leviton Load Center provides homeowners with the flexibility to start with a standard load center and prioritize high-current loads to monitor with smart breakers, ultimately building a personalized smart energy management solution. Traditional Leviton circuit breakers can be swapped for 2nd Gen Smart breakers, allowing homeowners to choose the specific circuits and appliances they want to monitor and control remotely.

As homeowners swap their circuit breakers, they can install the Leviton Whole Home Energy Monitor (LWHEM), which enables the smart capabilities of 2nd Gen Smart breakers. This smart solution provides real-time, energy use data from the whole home, including the grid and alternate energy sources.

When paired, the 2nd Gen Smart Circuit Breakers and LWHEM introduce a breadth of energy management capabilities through the My Leviton App. App capabilities include remote breaker control (on/off), scheduling, automated load shedding of non-essential circuits in a power outage, notifications when a breaker trips and more.

If electric bills are skyrocketing, My Leviton users can determine off-peak electricity hour and program custom schedules for 2nd Gen Smart Circuit Breaker activity to conserve energy and save money.

Depending on the size of the home or amount of anticipated electrical output, electricians can install the 300A or 400A Meter Main Load Centers. This solution “future-proofs” a home, allowing homeowners to increase their electrical needs over time, swapping gas appliances for electric models or adding a sauna at their own pace.

Contractors and electricians praise Leviton panels for their durability and ease of installation. The sturdy outdoor enclosure ensures protection against environmental factors, making it suitable for installations in a variety of climates. The circuit breakers’ plug-on, modular design also increases productivity and reduces installation time by up to 25 percent.

Move toward a more energy-efficient, sustainable future

Using the right hardware, energy-conscious homeowners can achieve home electrification and automation that bridges the gap to a more sustainable future. To learn more about Leviton’s load centers and related whole home electrification, visit Leviton.com/Products/Residential/Load-Centers.